29 March 2025, Hyderabad: In a significant move to integrate sustainable solutions with economic development, biochar startups emerged as the focal point at a national seminar organised by the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Ni-MSME) in Hyderabad on Friday. The event, conducted in collaboration with the Progressive Biochar Society of Hyderabad, drew the attention of policymakers, environmental experts, startup founders, and industry stakeholders.
The seminar highlighted the growing relevance of biochar — a charcoal-like substance produced from organic waste — in the domains of climate mitigation and rural livelihood promotion. The event underscored biochar’s dual role as a tool to combat climate change by capturing carbon and as a source of livelihood for rural communities.
Bridging Climate Goals and Rural Development
Addressing the gathering, key speakers emphasised how biochar technology is capable of transforming organic waste into a valuable resource while contributing to carbon sequestration efforts. Several sessions delved into how biochar can be deployed to improve soil fertility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster income-generating opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
“The focus is on enabling biochar startups to access emerging carbon credit markets and leverage government schemes more effectively,” said a senior official from Ni-MSME. “This can lead to a sustainable business model that benefits both the environment and rural communities.”
Key Challenges Discussed
A major portion of the discussions centred on the challenges faced by startups operating in the biochar sector. Experts pointed out that despite the promising potential of biochar, startups struggle to navigate complex regulatory processes and fragmented verification mechanisms.
One of the primary concerns raised was the lack of decentralised verification systems to assess carbon sequestration outcomes, which is crucial for biochar producers to claim carbon credits. Many attendees also highlighted the cumbersome paperwork and regulatory hurdles involved in certifying carbon capture projects.
“Infrastructure and support mechanisms for these startups, particularly in non-urban areas, need significant improvement,” noted one of the speakers. “While there is a global push towards carbon neutrality, the on-ground implementation requires efficient and transparent processes.”
Policy Support and Collaborative Approach
The seminar featured interactive sessions where officials from regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and startup founders exchanged ideas on how to streamline the regulatory framework and offer infrastructural support. The event called for simplifying certification procedures and making financial incentives more accessible to rural entrepreneurs and small-scale biochar producers.
Representatives from the Biochar Society of Hyderabad stressed the need for government intervention in setting up local verification centres and providing training to grassroots entrepreneurs. They also advocated for the creation of a national biochar policy to encourage sustainable practices in agriculture and waste management.
Voices from the Startup Ecosystem
Several startup founders who participated in the event shared their on-ground experiences and challenges. Many expressed concern over the high cost and complexity of meeting verification standards for carbon credits. Others called for better awareness and capacity-building programs to help rural startups tap into the biochar opportunity.
“There is a clear gap between policy vision and implementation at the grassroots level,” said one entrepreneur. “Without streamlining verification mechanisms and offering infrastructural support, it will be difficult for biochar startups to scale and contribute meaningfully to India’s climate goals.”
Way Forward
The national seminar concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to work collectively towards building an enabling ecosystem for biochar startups. Participants stressed the need for stronger collaborations between government agencies, financial institutions, and environmental experts to address bottlenecks and unlock the full potential of biochar technology.
The event reinforced the significance of biochar as not only an eco-friendly solution but also as a catalyst for rural economic development. It urged policymakers to prioritise this sector in their sustainability and MSME development strategies.
As the discussions came to a close, attendees unanimously agreed that supporting biochar startups could play a critical role in achieving India’s net-zero targets while empowering rural communities and promoting circular economy models.
Source: DC Correspondent Hyderabad, Deccan Chronicle
